Fall is the season for cozy sweaters and pants that hold in the warmth on brisk and colorful morning walks. However, in Orange, the thermometer doesn’t seem to want to go below 75 degrees as the official start of fall approaches on Sept. 22. Now, students must find ways to get their fix of autumnal fits that won’t make them sweat on their way to class at 10 a.m. 

The Panther is breaking down the cutest fall fits for the heat that you can buy on a college budget — all of them under $100. 

1. Long shorts and a Swiftie cardigan ($88)

The ultimate fall inspiration that hit the scene in 2020 is of course Taylor Swift's famous cardigan. In her music video for "Cardigan," Swift is seen wearing a cream knitted cardigan with star patches adorned on the sleeves. 

Due to the adoration the cardigan received by fans, Swift began selling them on her merchandise website shortly after. Just watching this video will make the autumn grinches want to light a pumpkin pecan candle and cozy up in a chunky sweater. 

“I didn’t own a cardigan, and then the song came out and I was like, ‘It's just too damn catchy. I need to get a cardigan,’” said Tess Fortenberry, a senior creative producing major. 

Pair a chunky cardigan with something lighter on the bottom to survive this heat wave in style. Long shorts have seemingly come from nowhere as a fashion statement and are perfectly in-between a pair of shorts and a pair of jeans. This complete outfit would only be $73, leaving you room to buy a basic tee if you don’t have one at home. 

“(Long shorts) are my go-to because I can't go home to change,” Fortenburry said. “(Long shorts) are my day-to-night outfit so I can be mid-warm to cold. I just don’t want to be too hot with the jeans.”

2. Tweed and collared sweaters ($95)

This is not your grandfather's tweed that he rocked all his life, no matter the season. This is the autumnal tweed that screams: Blair Waldorf takes Manhattan in October. 

These green tweed shorts from Abercrombie take the iconic Chanel skirt that always makes its rounds at holiday parties and makes it more wearable for every day.

Something that is comparable to Chanel must be kept classy with a collared sweater. This H&M one screams, “I’m Ms. Waldorf,” without actually breaking the bank since this whole outfit comes in at $95. 

If your legs get a bit chilly, it’s simple to take this look from day to night by switching out your tennis shoes for knee-high boots. If you already own the Taylor Swift cardigan from the previous look, it’s safe to say you’ll like this look too, as her Red era was dominated by high knee boots and shorts combos. 

Want to take the fuss out of all the intricate details of some fall fits? Go for a collared sweater dress. No shorts are required for this look and you can still embody fall with the lush camel color at the cheaper price of $68.

3. Corduroy and sweater vests ($95)

Is it really fall if corduroy pants don’t come back into style again?

Tristan Barajas, a senior creative producing major, told The Panther his corduroy pants are his favorite clothing item to whip out when there is a cooler crisp breeze in the air. 

“I'm really just into a lot of (T-shirts) with nice pants, especially corduroy pants,” Barajas said. 

These brown corduroy pants bring out the Rory Gilmore academic style that will bring back all the nostalgic fall vibes from the aughts. 

Although sweaters fit so effortlessly in with the changing leaves and cozy movie nights, they are a bit too hot to start flaunting with pants right now. Alternatively, Barajas said he goes for a neutral-colored sweater vest for an Orange-friendly option that still makes him feel preppy. This cream sweater vest from American Eagle will make for a chic pairing with the corduroy pants. 

“I go more for schoolboy vibes but in a fun and more adult way I guess," Barajas said while flaunting his schoolboy inspired glasses that he wears for his fall aesthetic. "That's my theme, just comfortable but also kind of cute."

Pair this whole outfit with a thin long sleeve turtleneck, like this one from American Eagle, and you are all ready to hit the pumpkin patch on a hot day for $95. 

4. Gold jewelry and a jean jacket ($89)

A model off-duty look, consisting of basic tees and jeans, is always a good idea, but doesn't always scream fall. Luckily, accessories can help with that.

“Tank tops and jeans are my go-to, and I like to spice it up with some jewelry,” said Panna Warren, a senior creative producing major.

This white tank top from Aritzia and these light-wash jeans from Hollister are strong basics. You can build several outfits around this season. If you’re like Warren, gold jewelry will be a staple to add warming tones to your outfit. 

Warren also said she always brings back the timeless oversized jean jacket this time of year that adds some layers to an outfit that originally would be appropriate for summer. A jean jacket also goes nicely with Warren's favorite accessory, the pumpkin spice latte from Contra Coffee, Warren said. Minus the psl, this outfit comes out to $89.

Some heeled booties will not only add to the model off-duty look, but also splice infall vibes to a basic outfit. 

“I'm trying to get more into boots and jeans as it gets colder,” Fortenberry said. 

With fall just around the corner it's understandable that some would want to rush into fuzzy insulated clothing. However, fashion sacrifices can be made this season in the name of preventing heat stroke. Luckily, we are in the era of options and there are several good choices on this list that will keep you cool and cute as autumn falls upon us.